Dry Blender Selection Criteria Vertical & Horizontal Designs In processing plants around the world, ribbon blenders are used to mix many thousands of products, from fertilizers and plastic resins to flavored coffees and cosmetics. The ribbon blender is one of the most common mixing devices in service today, because it is one of the most versatile and cost-efficient mixers ever created. Its simple design makes it relatively easy to build. Simplicity also ensures easy maintenance. But during the last few years, business conditions have changed in many industries. Competitive pressures have mounted worldwide to increase production, reduce waste, and improve end-product quality and consistency. Suddenly process managers are finding that the ֓common ribbon blender isnԒt so simple anymore. One by one, the process industries have recognized that many small improvements on the process line can add up to a big gain in overall production. Faster discharge means shorter blending cycles and greater production on every shiftՅ More thorough discharge means less cleaning, greater accuracy, and less risk of cross-contamination between batchesՅ A variable-speed drive allows you to fine-tune the blending process, so you can intensify blending without fear of product degradation Յ Several years ago, selecting a ribbon blender was mainly a matter of matching your drive and ribbon design to the bulk density of your product. In most >

applications today, this is only the beginning of the design process. In drives, ribbon design and materials, seals, packing materials and discharge valves, we now have many new choices to consider in order to boost productivity. The result is that ribbon blenders are now being used in many applications − in plastics, pharmaceuticals, foods and other industries − that are surprisingly sophisticated. But the ribbon blender still has its limitations. Often, as we refine the design to make the ribbon blender more and more productive, we eventually come to this critical question: Is this an application...

The best solution is to provide for a slow-speed start that protects the system. Electronic starting systems are a great choice to solve this problem. Electronic soft start controllers can be programmed to allow a slow start under full load and protect the system against a spike in start-up torque and amperage. Variable speed blending > −−−− The ability to blend at varying speeds can be advantageous in many circumstances. Certainly, it is important for R&D applications. It can also be useful in any plant where numerous products are blended and product changeover is common. By adjusting the peripheral...

For every minute that your blender is committed to discharging and cleaning, production is sagging. So, efficient discharge has become another important focus in ribbon blender design. Fast discharge is a function of axial pumping action − especially the pumping action of the outer ribbon − and the discharge valve design. Complete discharge requires controlled clearances and a clean design in the interior trough. All interior angles must include generous radius to prevent material from collecting in corners. Օ Clearances should be uniform at the bottom of the trough. Welds should be ground and...

who is determined to maximize blending efficiency must eventually ask whether the ribbon blender is really the best design for his application. When in doubt, test before you invest in any new equipment . Compare the capabilities of a ribbon blender and a cone screw blender in an equipment manufacturers test center, using your own ingredients. Ultimately, this is the best way to be sure that you will be putting the best possible blender on your process line. Do you need a ribbon blender or a vertical cone screw blender? Ribbon blenders and vertical cone screw blenders are found in many plants,...

Is complete discharge essential? The cone screw blender gives you virtually 100% discharge through the lower cone. Even the best ribbon blenders fall short of this goal. > How tight is your budget for power? The ribbon blender consumes more power, over long blending cycles this can add up. > Is contamination a critical risk? With a packing gland in the product zone, the ribbon blender poses a greater threat of contamination. New seal designs have reduced the risk dramatically, but if your application requires the best protection available, you may need to switch to a cone screw blender. > Will...